“He has that one-punch KO” - Joshua Pacio training to defend against "dangerous" Yuya Wakamatsu’s striking repertoire

Undisputed ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio of the Philippines knows it only takes one clean shot for Yuya Wakamatsu to turn anyone’s lights out.

'The Passion' seeks to dethrone the ONE flyweight MMA world champion in the co-main event of ONE 173 in Tokyo, this coming Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Ariake Arena.

While aware of ‘Little Piranha’s' well-rounded abilities and technical precision, Pacio admits it's the champ’s devastating one-punch knockout power that worries him the most.

The Filipino superstar, who’s seeking a historic two-division supremacy, told the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in his pre-event interview:

"Knockout power. He has that knockout power, you know. And of course, I saw also how he improved his wrestling and grappling, and he learned from his mistakes. But I can see his career is like my career because, you know, we learn from our mistakes.”

The Lions Nation MMA ward continued:

“I lost, you learn from it, then you go back, train, and win—like that. So, you know, I've seen how he evolved as a martial artist. His wrestling, his grappling, has improved, too. But, you know, he has that one-punch KO, so he's very dangerous."

Watch the full SCMP interview:

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Joshua Pacio feels no pressure fighting Yuya Wakamatsu in Japan

The last time Yuya Wakamatsu fought in front of his hometown fans in Japan, he knocked out former multi-time ONE flyweight MMA world champion Adriano Moraes in just one round.

Despite the pressure of facing 'Little Piranha' in his hunting grounds, Joshua Pacio remains grateful for the legacy-defining opportunity.

'The Passion' said during the final ONE 173 Tokyo Press Conference:

"I’m just so happy to be here fighting in the land of the rising sun. It’s my first time to compete here, and I’m so honored. And I know Japanese people are very respectful. I respect them a lot. And it’s a new territory for me. It’s my first time competing here, but I’m more focused on Yuya Wakamatsu."

Don't miss this champ vs. champ meeting by following this link to purchase the ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri PPV.